With a self-assured style that navigates dance-pop, contemporary R&B, and reggae influences, singer/songwriter Irene Ntale hails from Uganda. She released her first album, Sembera, in 2016 before making her major-label debut with the single "Nyamba" in 2019. Ntale grew up singing in her church's choir and at school. After taking up the guitar, she became a frequent participant in talent shows, where she often performed cover songs. She went on study business at Kyambogo University. In 2013, Ntale signed with Swangz Avenue and released her first studio recording, "Nkubukinze." It was well-received, and she was named Best Female Breakthrough Artist at the Uganda Music Awards (TUMA). Her debut album, Sembera, followed in 2016 and generated a handful of hit songs, including "He Go Down" and "Gyobera." A year later, she took home TUMA's Best Female Artist trophy. Parting ways with Swangz Avenue, Ntale formed a new management team and made her U.S. SXSW Festival debut in March 2019. Later that year, she signed with Universal, which released the single "Nyamba" in August. ~ Marcy Donelson